Storage container

ABSTRACT

A storage container that is secure and tamper proof is provided by a molded, one-piece container having a bottom and upstanding vertically oriented side and end walls. A separate lid is provided that sealingly engages the container. The container includes flutes on the inside and outside of the walls for adding strength to the walls. The flutes on the outside wall of one container fit with the flutes on the inside wall of another container for nesting purposes. The container can be stacked with another container by being placed on the top surface of the lid. A container can also be stacked in a container without a lid by being supported by shoulders on the inside walls of the container without the lid after rotating the container to be nested so that the flutes on the container to be nested engage the shoulders of the container without the lid.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to improvements in plastic, heavy-duty storage containers, and in particular, to a secure storage container that is capable of nesting without a lid and stacking with or without a lid.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is a need to store and transport articles in portable boxes or containers. Plastic storage containers have been in use for many years. Their acceptance is widespread. They are available in various sizes, with lids or without lids. The reusable containers are stackable and are typically made of plastic materials. They typically have a storage area and a flat lid whereon a second storage container may be stacked to save space.

There is a need for a stronger, lighter, secure, and more functional property container that has a durable, one-piece design with maximum strength and impact resistance and is stackable and nestable with or without a lid.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is to provide a stackable, nestable storage container for storing objects, the container having a bottom, first and second side walls reinforced by flute structures, and first and second end walls reinforced by flute structures that are opposite one another and perpendicular to the first and second walls.

In another aspect of the present invention, a storage container is provided that can be stacked with a second container with or without a lid.

In another aspect of the present invention, a storage container without a lid is provided that receives a second container for stacking in a stackable position and is rotated 180° for receiving a second container for nesting in a nestable position.

In another aspect of the present, a storage container is provided with a lid slidably engaged with opposed end walls and one side wall and moved to a closed position onto an opposed side wall, sealing the container to render it secure and tamper resistant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain embodiments are shown in the drawings. However, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a container and slidably attached lid incorporating the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a container with the lid attached to it;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one container stacked upon the lid of a second container;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a close-up of one corner of the stacked containers of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a top view of an open container;

FIG. 6 is a top view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a top view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of bottom of a container;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the underside of a lid;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an open container stacked in a second open container;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an open container nesting in a second container;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 13 is a side view of the container shown in FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a reinforced container 10 in an embodiment of the present invention. The reinforced container 10 is molded plastic and has a bottom 12, longitudinally extending first and second opposed side walls 14 and 16, and laterally extending first and second opposed end walls 18 and 20. The plastic is a high-impact polypropylene with structural and flame retardant additives. A planar top surface 22 with raised edge 24 connects to the top perimeter 23 of container 10. Top perimeter 23 is the upper portion 25 of side walls 14 and 16 and end walls 18 and 20. Raised edge 24 reinforces planar top surface 22. Since planar top surface 22 is on the top perimeter 23 of container 10 it also serves as a handle for lifting container 10. Lid 26 is formed from the same material, is rectangular, and is sized and dimensioned to close the open top of container 10. The lid has a peripheral edge 28 substantially perpendicular to planar top surface 22 with a lip 30 forming a c shape opening 31 which includes track 3 la that readily engages raised edge 24 of planar top surface 22. Peripheral edge 28 is on three sides of lid 26 so edge 28 and lip 30 engage planar top surface 22 on three walls of container 10. The three walls include two end walls 18 and 20 and one side wall, either 14, or 16. FIG. 1B shows lid 26 attached to container 10. All the walls 14, 16, 18, and 20 taper outwardly from bottom 12 so one container 10 can be nestled into another container 10. The containers 10 can also be stacked on one another by placing one container 10 on top surface 27 of lid 26 of another container 10. Container 10 can also be stacked in an open container 10 by resting on shoulders 32.

With reference to FIG. 5 in addition to FIG. 1, first and second side walls 14 and 16 have inside side walls 14 a and 16 a, respectively, and outside side walls 14 b and 16 b, respectively. Likewise, first and second end walls 18 and 20 have inside end walls 18 a and 20 a, respectively, and outside side walls 18 b and 20 b, respectively.

Each wall has a plurality of flutes. Flutes are vertically oriented from bottom 12 to top planar surface 22. Flutes 34 are shown on wall 14, flutes 36 are on wall 16. Flutes 34 a and 36 a are on inside side walls 14 a and 16 a respectively. Outside side walls 14 b and 16 b show flutes 34 b and 36 b respectively. Flutes 38 are shown on end wall 18, and flutes 40 are shown on end wall 20. Inside flutes 38 a and 40 a are likewise shown on inside end walls 18 a and 20 a respectively. Outside end walls 18 b and 20 b show flutes 38 b and 40 b respectively. Flutes typically are rounded grooves that provide support for walls 14, 16, 18, and 20. Outside walls 14 b, 16 b, 18 b, and 20 b show partially rounded or concave portions 34 b, 36 b, 38 b, and 40 b flutes corresponding to the aforementioned flutes. Together, the rounded, grooved portions inside the side and end walls and rounded, concave portions outside the side and end walls are identified as flutes. The number of flutes is variable and not intended to be limitative. While being described as a plurality of flutes providing maximum strength to the side and end walls, it is also noted that fewer flutes possibly one flute per side and end wall, may be utilized if sufficient support for the walls that would enable stacking and nesting containers is confirmed. For nesting purposes, the flutes on the side and end walls must match or be aligned. The outside flutes 34 b, 36 b, 38 b and 40 b must fit within the inside flutes 34 a, 36 a, 38 a and 40 a for nesting to occur when one container is placed inside a bottom container 10 as seen in FIG. 11.

End walls 18 and 20 each have a different number of flutes, typically one end wall with an even number, the opposed end wall an odd number, whereas side walls 14 and 16 have an even number of flutes. Even with an different number of flutes on each end wall, an end wall with a certain number of flutes will be aligned with an end wall with same number of flutes with the container for nesting purposes. In FIG. 5 end wall 18 has four flutes 38 whereas end wall 20 has three flutes 40. For stacking purposes without a lid the top container is rotated 180 degrees so the flutes on the end walls are misaligned and nesting will not occur.

The flutes provide support and rigidity to the side walls and end walls. Lid 26 is moved into a cooperatively sealing position with container 10 by aligning raised peripheral edge 28 and lip 30 with raised edge 24 on planar top surface 22 on opposed end walls 18, 20. The C-shaped opening 31 formed from edge 28 and lip 30 forms track 31 a for engaging raised edge 24 of planar top surface 22 of container 10. As lid 26 is moved forward advancing C-shaped track 31 a on raised edge 24 it moves on each end wall to a side wall on container 10 opposed from the side wall where initial contact was made. The lid can engage raised edge 24 on the end walls from either side of the container. For purposes of illustration, side wall 14 is utilized. Locking hasp 42 is placed on each side wall of container 10 on top planar surface 22 and lid 26. Locking hasp 42 a is located on planar top surface 22 on the top of side wall 16, whereas locking hasp 42 b is located on the planar surface 22 on top of opposed side wall 14. In locking hasps 42 a and 42 b are holes 43 a and 43 b in container 10, which are aligned with holes 42 c and 42 d, respectively, on lid 26. In a preferred embodiment, pin 43 c is placed in holes 43 a, 43 b, 42 a, and 42 b for locking lid 26 to container 10. In another preferred embodiment, padlock 44 engages locking hasp 42 through locking hasp 42 a and 42 b and holes 43 a, 43 b, 42 c, and 42 d for securing lid 26 to box 10. Conventional locks function with hasp 42, but a preferred conventional lock is a padlock 44, which may be a combination or key lock, as shown in FIG. 1 b. The term “locking hasp” 42 includes locking hasp 42 a, 42 b, and further includes holes 42 c and 42 d on lid 26, holes 43 a and 43 b on planar surface 22, and pin 43 c that is inserted in all the holes for locking lid 26 to box 10 and lock 44, which may be a conventional padlock securing lid 26 to box 10 through holes 43 a, 43 b, 42 c, and 42 d. When lid 26 is in the closed position, C-shaped track 31 a not only engages raised edge 22 on top of end walls 18 and 20, it engages raised edge 22 on the side wall opposed to the side wall receiving the moving lid 26. With c-shaped track 31 a engaging raised edge 22 on three sides of container 10, additional security is provided. Further, locking hasp 42 and lock 44 placed on side walls improve security for items stored in container 10. Lid 26 can be slid on the container from either side. With two locking hasps 42 a and 42 b, lock 44, and pin 43 c, the lid 26 forms a secure seal on the container. When closed and locked, container 10 is tamper resistant.

Additional strength is added to lid 26 by runners 46 placed on the top surface 27 of the lid. Runners 46 provide additional thickness to the molded polypropylene and assist in the distribution of weight across the top surface 27 of lid 26. Spaces 48 are areas for placing identifying indicia such as names, numbers codes, etc. Ridges 50 and 52 on top surface of lid 26 provide a defined area for placing stackable containers. Reinforced corners 54 of ridges 50 and 52 stabilize a stacked container on top surface of lid 26.

FIG. 2 shows a stacked container 56 on lid 26 of container 10. Corners 54 of stacked container 56 fit within reinforced corners 54 of ridges 50 and 52. Lid 26 provides load-bearing support for stacking multiple containers thereon, one atop another.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views of the stacked container of FIG. 2 showing c-shaped track 31 a with lip 30 and peripheral edge 28 engaging planar top surface 22 and raised edge 24 for a secure fit.

FIG. 6 shows container 10 b with the number of flutes being varied on the end walls 18 and 20 and side walls 14 and 16 from those shown in FIG. 5. Containers made in the manner shown in FIG. 6 will function in the same manner as those shown in FIG. 5. Side wall 14 contains three shoulders 32 for supporting a stacked container without a lid and has four flutes 34. Side wall 16 contains four shoulders 32. Upon removing a stacked and container from planar top surface 22 and rotating is 180°, it will be nestable in container 10 a. End walls 18 and 20 do not have shoulders.

FIG. 7 shows a container 10 c with at least on flute 34 and one shoulder 32 on side wall 14 and end walls 18 with flute 38 and end wall 20 with flute 40. Side wall 16 has two flutes 36 with two shoulders 32.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show embodiments with variable numbers of flutes and shoulders, both of which support a stackable container on shoulders 32 that when rotated 180° will nest in container 10 b or 10 c.

Underside 60 of lid 26 is shown in FIG. 9. Lip 30 of peripheral edge 28 is shown on three sides of lid 26. C-shaped opening 31 is formed by lip 30 and edge 28. Track 31 a runs inside C-shaped opening 31. Brake 62 is shown on underside 60, which prevents lid 26 from being pulled off container 10. Brake 62 and the engagement of C-shaped track 31 a to raised edge 22 of planar top surface 24 enable the lid to be slidably moved in the plane in which it is installed a certain distance from its closed position until brake 62 engages the top of a side wall of the container, which stops the movement. The location of the placement of brake 62 determines how far lid 26 slidably opens from a closed position. The lid must be unlocked and slid back from the side wall from which it was locked. Lid 26 cannot be pulled upwardly from container 10 for removal. The foregoing structure provides additional security for the contents in container 10 in that lid 26 cannot be quickly opened by lifting it upward from container 10 and provides a limited space for opening the lid so that items can be added to or removed from container 10 without having lid 26 completely removed from the container. Lid 26 may be manipulated to by-pass brake 62 for fully removing the lid.

FIG. 8 shows bottom 12 with defined areas 12 a for placing identifying indicia such as names, numbers, codes, etc. for convenient viewing.

Container 10 is stacked within a second container without using a lid as shown in FIG. 10. Shoulders 32 as shown in FIG. 5 support the bottom of a second container in a stacked position 58, creating additional convenience for the user. Shoulders 32 are placed between flutes in end walls 18 and 20. Typically, there is one more shoulder in an opposed end wall for providing stackable support for a second container, which is placed on shoulders 32, not flutes, when stacked. For example, in FIG. 5, end wall 18 has four shoulders 32 and three flutes 38 a, while opposed end wall 20 has four flutes 40 a and three shoulders 32. For stacking purposes without a lid, the flutes are misaligned so that they do not engage corresponding flutes but shoulder 32 instead on the end walls. The same arrangement can be made in side walls 14 and 16, that is, the number of flutes and shoulders can be mismatched, one side wall with, for example, four flutes and three shoulders and the opposed side wall with three flutes and four shoulders or any suitable number. Both the end walls and side walls may have this arrangement. Without being limitative, the description of the invention is directed to an aspect wherein the opposed end walls are described with odd-numbered flutes and shoulders.

FIG. 10 shows second container 64 stacked in container 10 where shoulders 32 are not seen. Partition 66 may be inserted in flutes 34 a and 36 a of side walls 14 and 16 creating separate compartments in the interior of container 10.

Supporting edge 68 is shown on flutes on outside side wall 14 b. Edge 68 with a flange engages planar top surface 22 when second container 64 is nested in container 10 as shown in FIG. 11. Outer edge 68 serves as a stop for the nesting. Otherwise, second container 64 enters inside container 10 as shown in FIG. 5. In order to place second container 64 in container 10 for nesting, second container 64 is rotated 180° so the flutes in end walls 18 and 20 are aligned. This is the nesting position 35 of the containers. With flutes 38 and 40 aligned, that is, concave portions 34 b, 36 b, 38 b, and 40 b on outside walls 14 b, 16 b, 18 b, and 20 b of the second container 64 are aligned with flutes 34 a, 36 a, 38 a, and 40 on inside walls 14 a, 16 a, 18 a, and 20 a of lower container 10, nesting will occur. Shoulders 32 in the lower container do not engage the top or nesting container. If rotated 180° from this nesting position, nesting will not occur. Instead, the containers are now in a stackable position 58 without lid 26 for the top container rests on shoulders 32 of the lower container. This is the stacking position 58 without lid 26. Of course, with lid 26 firmly secured to container 10, stacking of containers as previously described is encouraged.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show another embodiment of the present invention. Secure storage container 70 has walls of reduced height when compared to container 10. Container 70 is essentially structured in the same manner as container 10 but for the fact that side walls 72 and end walls 74 containing concave portions 76 and 78 and include flange 80 and support edge 82 to add further strength to the side walls. Moreover, side walls 72 and end walls 74 have sloping faces 84 and 86, respectively engaging side walls and end walls. Sloping faces 84 and 86 also provide additional strength to the side walls.

In operation, container 10 is stronger, lighter, more functional, and more secure than other storage containers. Containers of the present invention can be stacked with or without lid 26 without crushing the contents of container 10. With lid 26 in place, ridges 50 and 52 allow for full perimeter stacking of a second container. Without lid 26, a second container can be stacked in an uncovered lower container by engaging shoulders 32 on the inside end walls of the lower container. When empty, container can be nested inside one another by simply rotating the empty container 180° from its stackable position 58. This rotation allows flutes on the outside end and side walls of the top container to fit within the flukes on the inside side and end walls of the lower container This feature saves valuable space in storage areas. Container 10 has rounded edges and corners where bottom 12 joins side walls 14 and 16 and end walls 18 and 20, as well as the smooth round corners of planar top surface 22 and lid 26. Lid 26 engages end walls 18 and 20 with c-shaped track 31 a and is slidably opened on the short side of the container allowing access to more of the contents of the container without removing the lid 26 fully.

The sizes and shapes of the storage containers of the present invention may vary from the shapes showing in the drawings.

While a preferred embodiment including various details has been shown for purposes of illustrating the present invention, further embodiments, variations, and modifications are possible in accordance with the broader aspects of the present invention, all defined by the specification and scope of the following claims. 

1. A storage container comprising: a reinforced one piece molded plastic container with an open top having a bottom, generally parallel first and second side walls, opposed generally parallel first and second end walls integrally connected to the bottom, upper portions of side walls and end walls including a perimeter forming a planar surface, flutes vertically oriented from the bottom to the planar top surface on the side and end walls for reinforcing the side and end walls wherein the number of flutes are identical on all side and end walls but for one.
 2. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the number of flutes is not identical on one end wall.
 3. The storage container of claim 2, further comprising a sealable lid separate from the container and integrally molded from plastic in one piece being the size and dimension to cover the planar top surface and having a peripheral edge on three sides substantially perpendicular to planar top surface including a lip wherein the lip and peripheral edge are aligned to a raised edge of planar surface for covering the planar top surface of the storage container.
 4. The storage container of claim 3, wherein the lid and planar top surface include at least one locking hasp for locking the fully engaged lid when at least one locking hasp of the lid is aligned with at least one locking hasp of the top planar surface.
 5. The storage container of claim 4, including a locking hasp on the planar top surface on the first and second side walls.
 6. The storage container of claim 4, wherein a lock is placed in the locking hasp for securing the lid to the top planar surface of the container.
 7. The storage container of claim 4, including two locking hasps, each placed on the planar top surface of the first and second side walls, and two locks engaging the hasps allowing the lid to cover and lock the container from either side of the container.
 8. The storage container of claim 3, wherein the top surface of the lid has one or more ridges for supporting a second container stacked thereon
 9. The storage container of claim 3 wherein the top surface of the lid has reinforced corners for supporting a container stacked thereon.
 10. The storage container of claim 1, wherein flutes are present on the inside and outside of the side and end walls of the container.
 11. The storage container of claim 10, wherein flutes of a second container are aligned with flutes of the container so that the second container can nest in the container.
 12. The storage container of claim 11, wherein flutes on outside side walls of the second container include an edge for engaging planar top surface of the container when nesting.
 13. The storage container of claim 10, further comprising shoulders placed between flutes on the inside end walls of the container.
 14. The storage container of claim 13, further comprises a second container, rotated 180 degrees placed onto the shoulders for stacking the second container in the container without a lid.
 15. The storage container of claim 2, further comprising the lid including an underside having a brake that engages planar top surface when the lid is slid in an container opening position thereby limiting the size of the opening.
 16. The storage container of claim 2, wherein the lid has a peripheral edge and lip on three sides preventing the lid from being pulled upwardly off the container when engaged to the container.
 17. The storage container of claim 1, further comprising side and end walls having flanges for providing strength to the walls.
 18. The storage container of claim 17, further comprising a sloping face adjacent the flanges on the side and end walls for providing strength to the walls.
 19. The storage container of claim 10, further comprising a partition inserted in flutes on the inside walls of the container for separating space in the container.
 20. The storage container of claim 3, further comprising an area for providing identifying indicia on the sealable lid.
 21. The storage container of claim 1, further comprising an area for providing identifying indicia on the bottom of the container.
 22. The storage container of claim 1, further comprising at least one flute vertically oriented from the bottom to the planar top surface on the side and end walls for reinforcing the side and end walls wherein the number of flutes are identical on all side and end walls but for one.
 23. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the number of flutes is not identical on one side wall. 